Planning Commission

The Planning Commission (PC) is a seven-member decision-making body appointed by City Council. The Planning Commission makes recommendations of approval or denial to City Council for special use permits, development special use permits, request for vacations of or encroachments on public right-of-way, rezonings, master plan amendments, zoning text amendments and other requests. The Planning Commission has the authority to approve or deny requests for subdivision of land or development site plans. The Planning Commission meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month, except August, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Contact Planning and Zoning staff at 703.746.3844 with questions about the Planning Commission.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), a quasi-judicial citizen appointed board that hears requests for variances, special exceptions and appeals, is appointed by City Council and supported by zoning staff. The Board of Zoning Appeals holds monthly, with the exception of August, public hearings in the City Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Contact Planning and Zoning staff at 703-746-3831 with questions about the BZA.

Board of Architectural Review

There are two separate Boards of Architectural Review (BAR) that oversee the protection of the Old and Historic Alexandria District, the 100 Year Old Buildings and the Parker-Gray Historic District. The Boards must approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for all new construction and exterior alterations for structures which are visible from a public way. In addition, the Boards must approve a Permit to Demolish for proposed demolition of more than 25 square feet of material on a structure, regardless of the visibility from a public way. Contact Planning and Zoning staff at 703.746.3833 with questions about the Boards of Architectural Review.

The BAR Old and Historic Alexandria regulates the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the thirty-five, 100 Year Old Buildings. The BAR-OHAD holds bi-monthly public hearings in the City Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of City Hall. View the Old and Historic BAR hearing schedule and application deadlines for 2013 and 2014.

The BAR Parker-Gray regulates the Parker-Gray Historic District. The BAR-PG holds monthly public hearings in the City Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of City Hall. View the Parker-Gray BAR hearing schedule and application deadlines for 2013 and 2014.

Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board

The Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board (CEEDRB) reviews concept and final design proposals for buildings, signs proposals, and additions/alterations to building exteriors visible from publicly accessible areas within the Eisenhower East Small Area Plan. The purview of the CEEDRB is limited to three Coordinated Development Districts (CDD#1, CDD#2, and CDD#11); however, certain proposals within these districts may not be subject to DRB review. Visit the CEEDRB web page for more information about the CEEDRB and Eisenhower East Small Area Plan.

Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee

The Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) is a nine member board appointed by City Council who serve two-year terms. PYDAC was established by ordinance to review development plans for compliance with the Design Guidelines and Standards of Potomac Yard. Applications are brought to the appointed citizen group as needed and are discussed at public meetings. The Committee will provide comments to applicants and staff to guide proposals and ultimately make written recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. Visit the Potomac Yard web page for more information about PYDAC and Potomac Yard.

Old Town North Urban Design Advisory Committee

The Urban Design Advisory Committee (UDAC) is a five member board appointed by City Council who serve two-year terms. UDAC was established by ordinance to review development plans for compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines of Old Town North. Development applications are brought to the appointed citizen group as needed and are discussed at public meetings. The Committee will provide comments to applicants and staff to guide proposals and ultimately make written recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. Membership consists of two residents representing the Old Town North residential community, two representatives of the Old Town North business community and one qualified professional skilled in urban design, architecture or landscape architecture. Visit the Old Town North UDAC page for more information about UDAC and Old Town North.

Beauregard Design Advisory Committee

The Beauregard Design Advisory Committee (BDAC) is a nine member board appointed by City Council who serve two-year terms. BDAC was established by ordinance to review development plans for compliance with the Beauregard Urban Design Standards and Guidelines. Development applications are brought to the appointed citizen group as needed and are discussed at public meetings. The Committee will provide comments to applicants and staff to guide proposals and ultimately make written recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. Visit the Beauregard Design Advisory Committee page for more information about BDAC and the Beauregard Small Area Plan page for more general information.